REGIONAL REPORT
MOMENTUM E
FORWARD
With several key ports and terminals breaking cargo volumes last year, Latin America remains a vibrant region for shipping. But is this translating into higher investment in material handling equipment?
xpansion and modernisation programmes are ongoing in ports and terminals across Latin America, as the
continent continues to realise its potential.
Ports picture This is reflected in the data. For example, DP World’s terminals across Latin America set new throughput records in 2025, driven by expanded capacity, larger vessel calls and stronger Asia-Americas connectivity. The ports and terminals operator broke
cargo volume records in Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Peru for a second consecutive year, while Chile posted its strongest performance to date. This is a clear example of how modernisation and expansion can drive success: DP World invested in infrastructure – including new cranes – and is reaping the rewards. “The results reflect the ramp-up of major infrastructure expansions completed in 2024, and continued momentum in nearshoring-driven cargo flows,” it says. Kalmar sees significant structural investment in port capacity, modernisation, automation and electrification across Latin America. Demand is being driven by solid trade flows, nearshoring, capacity expansion and the need to improve terminal productivity. “For Kalmar, the opportunity is to capture these targeted investments with our competitive portfolio, strong TCO proposition and excellent local execution through our local team and dealer network,” says Marcelo Goncalves, VP, Kalmar Latin America. Kalmar has developed a strong footprint in
the region. “We have solid market penetration in all countries in Latin America, covering even the smaller markets with local people and also a strong dealer network,” adds Goncalves. Naturally, the largest markets in Latin America
are the biggest economies such as Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Colombia and Peru.
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Many global terminal operators are taking a more standardised approach and consolidating equipment procurement across multiple locations.
For Hyster, investment varies by country and by operator. “Demand is not being driven by a single wave of expansion across the region,” says Ricky Hirani, director, product management – big trucks for Hyster. “Instead, it is typically linked to specific terminal investments, fleet renewal cycles, capacity requirements and initiatives focused on improving operational productivity.” While container volumes and infrastructure developments continue to support growth, Hyster sees customers increasingly focused on the total cost of ownership over the full life of their equipment. “Factors such as fuel efficiency, uptime, service support, and spare parts availability can be critical factors,” says Hirani.
“At the same time, many global terminal
operators are taking a more standardised approach and consolidating equipment procurement across multiple locations. This creates opportunities for suppliers that can deliver not only proven equipment, but also
Regional trends Capacity expansion and a focus on enhancing productivity are major investment drivers. “Growth in trade, larger vessels, nearshoring and route diversification are driving terminal
consistent aftersales support, parts availability, and service expertise across the whole region.” Liebherr sees Latin America as an active and important market. “We continue to see demand across the region, supported by terminal expansion, fleet modernisation and investment in more efficient handling equipment,” it says. It points to its established local sales and service support in the region as helping customers with project planning, equipment support and long-term aftersales requirements. Recent sales include the delivery of two STS cranes to CICE at their Veracruz terminal in Mexico, as well as an order for two RTG-HC hybrid capacitor cranes for MUNESHWERS in Georgetown, Guyana, which are scheduled for delivery in early 2027.
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